Systems and Methods of Network Operation and Information Processing

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for network operation and information processing involving engaging users of a network. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of engaging users of a public-access network. Moreover, the method includes associating a processing component with the public-access network; transmitting a request for authorization to use the public-access network, including transmission of a specific identifier associated with the user; transmitting first data including data determined by processing software as a function of the specific identifier; and opening up a connection to the network for the user. In one or more further embodiments, the specific identifier may include or be a function of a processing component ID or the MAC address of a device associated with the user. Other exemplary embodiments may include building profiles of users who access the network based on information collected.

1 . A method of engaging users of a public-access network, the method comprising: associating a processing component, having associated therewith processing software, with the public-access network;
 transmitting a request, associated with a user of an access device, for authorization to use the public-access network, including transmission, in connection with the request, of an IP address of the user access device;   transmitting first data including a splash page, wherein the data to be transmitted is determined by the processing software as a function of the IP address;   opening up a connection to the network for the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the function cross references an IP address of a Routing/Connectivity Device (RCD) with a database to determine a geographic location. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data includes a MAC address of a computing device associated with the user. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data includes an access device ID. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data includes information indicative of a geographic location associated with the user or the access device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining usage-related information including one or more of usage frequency, usage patterns, length of session, time of use, local user usage, and/or visiting user usage. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising one or both of determining and maintaining user information including real-time historical records. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising authenticating the user to increase security or integrity of user activity associated with the network. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising delivering location-specific or location-based data/information relating to business/commercial interests (e.g., advertisements, etc.). 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the splash page includes sponsor media associated with a sponsor. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the function cross references an IP address of a Routing/Connectivity Device (RCD) with a database to determine a geographic location. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first data includes a MAC address of a computing device associated with the user. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first data includes an access device ID. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first data includes information indicative of a geographic location associated with the user or the access device. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising determining usage-related information including one or more of usage frequency, usage patterns, length of session, time of use, local user usage, and/or visiting user usage. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising one or both of determining and maintaining user information including real-time historical records. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising authenticating the user to increase security or integrity of user activity associated with the network. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising collecting user information and building profiles for specific users based on the user information. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising delivering location-specific or location-based data/information enabling commercial interaction (e.g., advertisements, etc.). 
     
     
         20 - 109 . (canceled)